Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The summit has an elevation of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). It is a dormant volcano located in Tanzania, near the border with Kenya.
The top of Mount Kilimanjaro is a crater rim, with the highest point being Uhuru Peak. The crater is about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) wide and 330 feet (100 meters) deep. There are two other peaks on Kilimanjaro: Mawenzi and Shira, which are both lower than Uhuru Peak.
The crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro is a barren landscape of rock and ash. You will find no vegetation or wildlife there. The air is thin and cold.
However, the views from the crater rim are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.
Other Scenery
In addition to the crater rim, there are also a few other things to see at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. One is the Reusch Ash Pit, which is a smaller crater located inside the main crater. The Reusch Ash Pit is still active, and it emits sulfurous fumes.
There are also glaciers. Once five glaciers were on Mount Kilimanjaro, but due to climate change, only two remain. They are the Furtwängler Glacier and the Arrow Glacier. The Furtwängler Glacier is the largest glacier on Kilimanjaro, but it is also the one that is melting the fastest. Scientists believe that the Furtwängler Glacier could disappear completely within the next few decades.
Another thing to see at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is the Gilman’s Point. Gilman’s Point is a viewpoint located on the crater rim, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. If you climb via the Rongai, Marangu, or Northern Circuit you’ll walk right by this sign.
There is also the Stella Point. Stella Point is another viewpoint located on the crater rim. It is the closest point to Uhuru Peak that you can get without actually climbing it. The Lemosho or Machame routes pass by this sign and mark the end of the switchbacks.
Finally, there is the famous Kilimanjaro Sign. Odds are you’ve seen the sign at some point. It does change from time to time. But there is always one there. Sometimes it’ll be frozen or half-buried in snow.
Tips for visiting the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
If you are planning to visit the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude mountain. It is important to acclimatize properly before attempting to climb to the summit.
- The weather on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for all types of conditions.
- It is also important to have the proper gear, including warm clothing, waterproof clothing, and hiking boots.
- Finally, it is important to be respectful of the environment and to leave no trace of your visit.
Final Thoughts
Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging mountain to climb, but it is also an incredibly rewarding experience. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, and the sense of accomplishment you will feel is unmatched. Book your trip today so you too can stand atop Africa’s tallest Mountain.
